Design and implementation of a structural subsystem ofChang’e-5 probe

The Chang’e-5 probe has achieved the first unmanned lunar surface sampling and return mission in China. The probe faced several technical challenges, including complex configuration, high lightweight and precision requirements, and strict environmental and load conditions. The design scheme of the whole structure and substructure of the probe is briefly introduced in this paper. Particularly, for key technical problems, such as the lunar surface sampling, lunar orbital rendezvous and docking, and returning lunar samples to the earth at high speed (11 km/s, close to the second cosmic velocity), this paper expounds on the research contents of the lightweight of the lander and ascender, high-precision composites structure design method, structure scheme of the takeoff platform with the integrated heat-resistant and load-bearing technology, design of the returner bond buffer to adapt to the impact of oblique landing, and labyrinthine thermal-seal design of the hatch door. The results of the mission show that the design of the structural subsystem of the Chang’e-5 probe is a complete success.